OUTDOORS + RECREATION

Desert Bighorn sheep are getting a nursery in Utah

Nov 30, 2021, 12:34 PM | Updated: 12:36 pm

Bighorn Sheep Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources...

Bighorn Sheep Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

DUCHESNE — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is opening its first ever nursery devoted to the desert Bighorn sheep.

First ever Bighorn sheep nursery

DWR is teaming up with Young Living, a Utah based essential oils company.  Young Living is donating 1800 acres of private land in Duchesne County for the nursery. The 1800 acres at the SkyRider Wilderness Ranch will be a safe home for many Bighorns. 

Bighorn Sheep Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

There’s been a nursery herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep on Antelope Island for several years. But, this will be the first designated nursery area for desert Bighorns in Utah.

SkyRider Ranch Bighorn Sheep Nursery Photo: Young Living

In a statement, Riley Peck, the DWR Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator, said “this fenced area will provide a place for our herds to safely grow.”

“Whenever we have a need to supplement or create new populations in the state, we will have our own internal Bighorn sheep population and can be self sufficient in maintaining healthy herds.” Peck added.

Why a nursery is needed

Several of Utah’s Bighorn sheep populations were decimated by disease.  A report on the status of the animals was released in 2018 by the DWR also shows domestic sheep grazing and human activity is dwindling the population of some groups of Bighorn sheep around the state.

SkyRider Ranch Photo: Young Living

Peck said having the ranch will allow animals to be relocated to other parts of Utah to supplement those populations that are in decline, or to start new herds altogether.

Bighorn Lamb Photo: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

The original 150 desert Bighorn sheep are coming from Nevada. Peck thanked both the Silver State and Young Living for their generosity.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Outdoors + Recreation

A red and black Jeep climbs up the sandy orange rocks of Moab, Utah during a Jeep safari....

Mariah Maynes

As Jeep event begins in Moab, police provide reminders to drivers

Moab police want Easter Jeep Safari participants to remember rules about speed limits, vehicle lighting, and stop signs,

2 days ago

River Barry received the Carnegie Medal of Heroism for saving a base jumper's life....

Tammy Kikuchi

Salt Lake therapist awarded Carnegie Medal of Heroism

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission awarded their Carnegie Medal of Heroism to a Salt Lake City therapist, after a day of mountain biking turned into rock climbing to save a life.

2 days ago

Boy tries out his new eclipse glasses he just bought from Clark Planetarium in preparation for the ...

Heather Peterson

Want to see the solar eclipse? Go to Dallas

Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer said the closest part of the eclipse's path to us is Dallas. 

3 days ago

Attendees climb at the grand opening of an outdoor climbing wall outside of Millcreek City Hall on ...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Olympian and hopefuls break in Utah’s biggest outdoor climbing wall at Millcreek City Hall

The Millcreek City Hall opened a brand new climbing wall on Saturday. It's the tallest outdoor wall in Utah.

4 days ago

Deer Valley and other ski resorts in Utah have extended their closing dates....

Britt Johnson

Utah ski resorts extend closing dates

Several Utah ski resorts aren't closing as soon as they thought. Several announced extended seasons thanks to an extra snowy February.

6 days ago

maple syrup buckets on trees, local maple syrup in utah is difficult to get...

Mitchell von Puttkammer

Project aims to make local maple syrup more available

Can you buy local maple syrup? You can, but it's not easy. Utah State University is trying to change that with the Maple Tree Tapping Project.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Desert Bighorn sheep are getting a nursery in Utah